The island of Oahu is nothing short of paradise. With beautiful white sand beaches, incredible hiking, and crystal clear waters, it’s an adventurer’s dream. And what better way to explore the island than with like-minded travelers? In this blog post, I’ve covered the 7 best hostels on Oahu, from surf shacks on the North Shore to Waikiki’s best hostels for meeting cool travelers or having a good time.
My personal favorites are Waikiki’s Beachside Hostel for its tours, and The Beach Hostel for its rooftop.
The Best Hostels on Oahu, Hawaii
Hostels can be a great way to travel if you’d rather spend your vacation budget on cool activities, or if you simply want to meet other travelers. I went to college on Oahu, and have revisited several times as a backpacker. Safe to say, I know how to get the most out of an accommodation budget. Whether you’re looking for the best party hostel in Waikiki or the best place to meet adventurous people, these are the best hostels on Oahu, Hawaii. For a full Oahu accommodation guide, try my Best Places to Stay on Oahu guide!
QUICK PICKS: My 3 Favorite Hostels On Oahu
Searching for the best hostels on Oahu and don’t have time to read the whole article? No problem. These are my 3 favorite hostels on Oahu.
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BEST HOSTELS ON OAHU COMPARISON TABLE
If you’re looking for the best cheap hostels on Oahu, you’ll find my favorite options below, along with current nightly rates. The prices are listed for a single guest in the hostel dorm rooms and for two guests in the private rooms. These prices reflect the high season and are subject to change.
| Hotel Name | Location | Nightly Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kalani Hawaii Private Lodging | North Shore | $117 |
| The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel | Waikiki | $70 |
| Backpackers Vacation Inn | North Shore | $55 |
| Honu Waikiki by ALOH | Waikiki / Ala Moana | $55 |
| Polynesian Hostel Beach Club | Waikiki / Diamond Head | $55 |
| Waikiki Beachside Hostel | Waikiki | $50 |
| ALOH Seaside Hostel Waikiki | Waikiki | $40 |
Why stay in a Hostel on Oahu
If you’re a traveler/backpacker and looking for Cheap Places to Stay on Oahu, hostels are the best place to meet new people, save money on hotels, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere on your trip. Oahu is generally thought of as a luxury vacation destination, but there are several backpacker accommodations and affordable hostels on Oahu. Most are in Waikiki, but there are a few on the North Shore.
Below, I’ve rounded up the best hostels on Oahu that offer traits I love: excellent staff, a warm atmosphere, competitive prices, comfy beds, clean facilities, and that special charm that makes a hostel memorable.
Kalani Hawaii Private Lodging
Kalani Hawaii Private Lodging (North Shore): Kalani is a standout option on the North Shore of Oahu. This property offers both hostel-style accommodation and private rooms. It’s just across from Sunset Beach, making it an ideal spot for travelers without cars or mopeds. It’s known for its warm hospitality, beautiful garden, and convenient location for those Staying on the North Shore.
Why I recommend this hotel: Kalani’s location just across from Sunset Beach is one of its best features. Guests also rave about the warm hospitality, the clean and comfortable rooms, the amenities, and the authentic experience.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Kalani Hawaii
The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel
The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel (Best Vibe): This 3-star hostel is one of the best hostels on Oahu if you want to make friends and stay at a place with a great vibe. Again, you can pick from hostel-style dormitories, or private rooms, making it a great way to meet people even if you’re a solo traveler sleeping in private rooms. Additional amenities include a rooftop deck, a shared kitchen, and free gear rentals.
Why I recommend this hostel: The Beach Waikiki is great for its cleanliness, warm staff, and island activities on offer. The hostel also seems to attract outgoing and adventurous guests from around the world, making for a great experience. If you’re interested in hiking, try my 14 Beginner hikes on Oahu guide.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Beach Hostel
Backpackers Vacation Inn & Plantation Village
Backpackers Vacation Inn & Plantation Village (Surf Vibes): This is one of my favorite hostels on Oahu for its laidback surf vibes. Located across the street from Three Tables beach, it’s a great location for surf in the winter and snorkeling in the summer. The rooms range from private cottages to standard guest rooms and dorm-style bunk beds.
Why I recommend this hotel: The Inn offers a great combination of good vibes, comfortable rooms, and a convenient location. There’s a beach across the street, and a grocery store and food trucks just a short walk down the street. It’s an ideal spot for backpackers and surfers.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Backpackers Inn
Honu Waikiki by ALOH
Honu Waikiki by ALOH (Ala Moana): Honu is a small hostel with a great vibe in the Ala Moana end of Waikiki. It has one of the lowest hostel rates for its 6-bedroom dorm rooms, but I recommend the One Bedroom Suites for their fully equipped kitchens and 4-person capacity. If you’re traveling as a group, its one of the best value hostels on Oahu.
Why I recommend this hotel: I rate Honu for its friendly staff, good atmosphere, and great location close to Ala Moana. It’s neighbors Waikiki Brewing Company as well as some other popular local restaurants. Having the Ala Moana Center just a few blocks away makes it even more convenient.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Honu Waikiki by ALOH
Polynesian Hostel Beach Club
Polynesian Hostel Beach Club (Budget/Location): As a 4-star accommodation, you can expect a comfortable and good value stay at Polynesian Hostel. It’s located at the edge of Waikiki, just across the street from an expansive park and beautiful outdoor walking trails and mangrove trees. This is my favorite location out of all the Waikiki hostels.
Why I recommend this hostel: Polynesian Hostel Beach Club is a great spot to meet other travelers, and has easy access to surf rentals, the beach, outdoor gyms, and nightlife. For those who want to be in Waikiki but with a quick escape route, this is your hostel.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Polynesian Hostel
WAIKIKI BEACHSIDE HOSTEL
Waikiki Beachside Hostel (Great Tours): This is one of the best hostels on Oahu if you’re active and want to explore the island. Waikiki Beachside Hostel is set just one block from the beach and offers daily tours and activities around the island. While many of the island excursions are paid tours, the prices are quite reasonable, and Sunday tours are free to join! Beach rental equipment is also provided free of charge.
Why I recommend this hostel: This hostel is an awesome place to stay if you want to explore the island. There’s also a friendly moped rental shop directly next door. Just remember to buy the insurance (I’ve crashed one of their mopeds, it happens more often than you’d think).
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Beachside Hostel
ALOH Seaside Hostel Waikiki
ALOH Seaside Hostel Waikiki (Value): This recently refreshed hostel has been making travelers feel at home for over 20 years. This cozy hostel is set on a quieter street on the Ala Wai side of Waikiki, perfectly situated for walking to the shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife.
Why I recommend this hostel: I prefer its location on a slightly quieter street where you can find free street parking (if you’re lucky). My friend used to work here when she first moved to Oahu and still hangs out with her co-workers and travelers she met. It’s a great community vibe.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for ALOH Seaside Hostel
Conclusion: Best Hostels on Oahu, Hawaii
That’s it for my best hostels on Oahu guide! I hope you found the perfect place for your upcoming Hawaii vacation, and if you didn’t, try my Best Cheap Places to Stay on Oahu guide. Either way, I hope you enjoy the islands. Safe Travels!
THE FOUR MOST POPULAR OAHU TOURS
- Doors-Off Oahu Helicopter Flight Tour: My number one recommendation is to do a heli-flight (doors off) and be blown away when you see Oahu from the air.
- North Shore Shark Cage Tour: The biggest adrenaline rush you can have in Hawaii is beneath the surface with sharks!
- Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Tour: One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour.
- Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran: The number 1 MOST POPULAR snorkel tour on Oahu. GUARANTEED Turtles!
WHERE TO STAY ON OAHU
- Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort (Overall Favorite): In the heart of Waikiki, this high-end resort is right on the beach with a private lagoon.
- Sheraton Waikiki (Luxury): A luxury resort with the most amazing infinity pool on the island, which overlooks the beach.
- Ewa Hotel Waikiki: (Value): Ewa Hotel is just one block back from the beach and is just over $150 USD.
- Waikiki Beachside Hostel (Budget Choice): A budget alternative, which is still in an amazing location.
- Disney Aulani Resort (Family Choice): This is a resort your kids will never forget. It honestly feels like you are living in a theme park.
MORE OAHU BLOG POSTS
I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip!
- What to pack for Hawaii: THE HAWAII PACKING LIST: WHAT TO PACK
- A helpful guide to choosing accommodation: WHERE TO STAY ON OAHU
- Most epic hike on Oahu: THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN OAHU, HAWAII
- The best Waterfalls: AMAZING WATERFALLS ON OAHU, HAWAII
- Ultimate Cliff Jumping Guide: 11 BEST CLIFF JUMPING SPOTS ON OAHU
- Guide to Swimming with Sea Turtles: WHERE TO SEE TURTLES ON OAHU
- The best Waterfall Hikes: TOP WATERFALL HIKES ON OAHU
- Best Tours: 20 BEST TOURS ON OAHU
- The Ultimate Guide to Oahu: 80 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON OAHU
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Leo
Wednesday 23rd of June 2021
Thank you so much for the information. Your blog is a wonderful resource. I am in México right now, in case you need to know anything about my country. Cheers